IUCN threat status:

Brief Summary

Biology

This dolphin tends to occur in groups of between two to eight individuals. These groups often join together forming larger aggregations and then split up (5). Feeding also occurs in groups and the species takes a variety of fish, squid and some crustaceans (5). Females reach maturity at around 7 to 9 years of age, and males between 6 and 9 years. Courtship behaviour involves close contact, leaping, chasing and belly displays. Calves tend to be born in late spring to early summer and the mother will not conceive again until the calf is fully independent (5). Playing with seaweed, bubble blowing and other 'games' are thought to be important social behaviours (5). Certain sounds produced by this dolphin are also thought to be important in a social context; particularly the complex clicks that are produced in large groups (5).